Culture Protective hairstyles, including various forms of braids, hold significant cultural importance in African history, with their origins tracing back thousands of years. These hairstyles are not only a reflection of aesthetic preferences but also carry deep cultural symbolism. Intricate patterns and styles in braiding often symbolize strength and creativity within African tribes and communities. Historically, braids served as distinguishing markers of tribal affiliation and were indicative of an individual's wealth, religious beliefs, age, marital status, and ethnicity. In contemporary contexts, braids and similar hairstyles continue to be significant, often viewed as rites of passage and modes of self-expression, particularly among women of color. However, issues of hair discrimination and bias present challenges. Globally, women often feel compelled to alter their natural hairstyles to conform to societal norms, especially in professional settings. This includes changing hair from its natural state to styles perceived as more acceptable, such as straightening curly hair for job interviews.
Slavery At the wake of slavery, many women and men from
Africa were forced to shave their heads, stripping them of not only their hair but also their culture and humanity. Before that, many slaves used their braiding hairstyles as maps of the land and storage for small grains and nuts. With this, many laws were created to prohibit braids and other cultural and protective hairstyles. These laws were not overturned until the
Black Power Movement in the 60s and 70s. Even after the laws were overturned, many still faced discrimination due to their hair type and hairstyles. This had stripped many people of the use of their braids as a form of culture to the use of braids as function; to keep hair manageable. Many styles were simplified and sometimes they were a struggle to maintain, not having proper access to products and tools. This led to many people using substances like
kerosine to moisturize their hair. Later cultural movements would brings back this sense of culture in wearing these protective hairstyles. The word nappy has been used to reference the "frizzy texture" of African American hair since the 1880s. Braids and
cornrows were also used to escape slavery. Since slaves were not allowed to learn how to read or write, another methods of communication was necessary. Thus, came the use of cornrows to draw out maps and pass messages to escape slavery. This method was even used within the
Underground Railroad. Additionally, rice and seeds would be woven into the braids in order to grow food after they had escaped. == Preparation and maintenance ==